The up-coming warm weather and summer season at Slovenska Pristava along with the immediate needed additional fund raising for Pristava was reaffirmed with a very successful reverse raffle Saturday April 2nd at the new Pristava Lausche Hall. A sell-out crowd was in attendance helping to make the evening a record fund-raiser for Slovenska Pristava.

Instead of hibernating at home the eager attendees enjoyed a delicious home cooked meal prepared by head cook Vera (Znidarsic) Foreman and her helpers Anna Sterle, Becky Kosir, Lynette and "Boom-Boom" Radisek. The versatile and energetic Michael Kosir led the volunteer group of Tom Znidarsic, Julia Znidarsic, Jayme Sandy, Andrea Leonard, Dana Leonard, Claudia Znidarsic and Vic Znidarsic in the main raffle with accompanying side boards. Camper's President Andy Loncar and wife Sue organized the very profitable Chinese raffle with 23 gift baskets with items from (list below). The open bar was staffed by John Leonard and Jim Omahen with a tremendous heroic all night effort by Joe Radisek Jr. In addition, Margie Znidarsic took all of the reservations and coordinated the volunteer lists; the event would not have occurred without her dedication.

The overflow crowd was enthusiastic as to the different raffle options available and the exceptional organization which enabled everyone to enjoy the evening. Most attendees asked for an encore performance next year.

The Pristava Camper's Association is a group of Pristava campers dedicated
to improving the camping sites and general camping area and raising funds for Pristava. The Camper's association appreciates Pristava and the ability to use the camping area.

The Association has held an annual steak roast for the past 13 years. This year’s steak roast will be Saturday July 2nd at Pristava. Details will follow.

Chinese Raffle Gift Donors:
Ani Sterle
Azman’s
Becky & Michael Kosir
Beth & Rok Ribic
Big Bouquet & Euro Gourmet
Capitol Beverage
Dave Hocevar
Debbie & Ivan Cugel
Denise & Stan Krulc
Helena Percic
Jayme Sandy
Dana & John Leonard
Josie McFarland
Karen & Mark Erdani
Kogovsek Family
Kris & Joe Znidarsic
Kuhar’s
Lost Nation Sports Park
Margie & Tom Znidarsic
Mary & Tom Kosir
Maryann & Pete Domanko
Melissa & Matt Stupica
Mike Srsen
Miller Bros.
Mirko Vombergar
Nadia & Erik Kobal
Pete Domanko Jr.
Radell’s
Slovenska Pristava
Sue & Andy Loncar
TJ’s on the Avenue
Trim n More

Special Volunteer Recognition:
Ani Sterle
John Leonard
Julia Znidarsic
Margie & Tom Znidarsic
Becky & Michael Kosir
Sue & Andy Loncar
Vera (Znidarsic) Foreman

Volunteers:
Andrea Leonard
Andrew Kalar
Cathy Maurice
Claudia Znidarsic
Dana Leonard
David Osenar
Denise & Stan Krulc
Frank Kogovsek
Greg Lamovic
Jayme Sandy
Jim Omahen
Joe Radisek
Justine Novak
Lynette & Vince “Mish” Radisek
Marge & Stan Rus
Maria Stepec
Marty Tominc
Mary Ann Domanko
Matt Loncar Jr
Mike Rus
Vic Znidarsic

Dream of Slovenska Pristava unfolds as new pool becomes reality. YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!

Stan Rus, Paul Kosir, and their capable team of volunteers (Frank Kogovsek, Joe Smolic, Tom Znidarsic, Joe Omahen, John Pogacnik, Mirko Kristanc and many others) are working virtually non-stop to complete the new swimming facility for the opening day, June 6, 2010! Many said it couldn’t be done, but this committed army of volunteers is to put all doubts to rest. The progress thus far is nothing short of remarkable. Many have already done their part - and more - but to achieve our goal, more of us are required to assist in providing the financial resources needed for the project’s completion.

The Board and Fundraising Committee of Slovenska Pristava would like to thank the individuals and businesses who have assisted us to date in nearing our goal of $800,000 through their financial contributions and/or volunteer expertise. We were thrilled with the generosity that occurred on the evening of Pristavska Noč when over $65,000 was pledged by many in attendance.
The Board announced with great gratitude that American Mutual Life

Association (AMLA), has provided Pristava with a bridge loan of $150,000 that will help us pay our invoices as we secure our pledge payments for the project, making it possible to open the pool by this summer.

The former pool was operational for 20 years longer than the original life-span estimates, primarily as a result of the time, personal attention, as well as devotion on the part of Stan Rus, who faithfully tended the pool meticulously over the years. Ten years ago, Stan explained to the Pristava board that a new pool is a must as “this one (the former pool) won’t be able to last much longer.” Then about two years ago, Stan said “the pool is done, there is nothing more that we can do to save it - the filtration system is beyond repair, and there is more plaster in the walls than the original concrete.” Stan Rus gave the former pool (his friend as well as worst enemy) its execution orders. It was time to put it out of its misery. Once the Board gave the go ahead for the pool, Stan worked with the construction crews every step of the way. Just as he knew every inch of the old he would know every inch of the new pool. Every time Stan takes someone on a tour of the pool and the outbuildings you can see the pride in his eyes as he spoke about how the pool was built. Stan knows that many families come to Pristava because of the pool and he knows that the new facility will keep families coming and being involved with Pristava for many years to come.
Pristava Pensioners kick off their own initiative for the Pool fund drive!
A heartfelt thanks to the Slovenska Pristava Pensioners who are working to achieve 100% participation of their members in donating towards the pool completion. The pensioners are once again living examples of what Pristava is all about, people making sacrifices that will help the Slovenska Pristava community for many decades to come. With the pool project they are supporting their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all the others who will form everlasting memories and derive great joy as a result. To date the Pensioners have already raised $ 75,600! Thank you, though even more is urgently needed.
The goal is to make the pool facility fully operational during the 2010 season. This work includes completing the filtration building, the restrooms/changing rooms, and most excitingly, the installation of WATER SLIDES!

The Pristava board is asking for all Slovenska Pristava members and friends to consider an urgently needed donation now. Please be very generous! The amount required is about $324,000. These monies are necessary to complete the work already begun and to repay our loan to AMLA. It is important that these funds be raised as soon as possible for the pool to be ready for swimming by all on June 6.

Join the $ 1,000.00-plus Club today! To date this group consists of 107 Slovenska Pristava members and friends. Help us reach our goal of 300+ individuals or families joining the team!

With your financial support today, you will help to make Stan’s dream a reality. Thank you for making your pledge / donation! To date we have a total of $480,000.00 pledged and/or donated! Thank you! Now it is your turn to participate; please use the pledge card found on this page to make your donation or pledge.

Can you feel it in the air? A new day is coming; the Slovenska Pristava pool is almost complete and ready for the splashes of its first swimmers. We hope you can feel the pride, the enthusiasm, and the need to make your donation now to help make the dream a reality.

Pristava Replaces Existing Swimming Pool

August, 2009 - Slovenska Pristava is replacing the existing swimming pool this year.  The current swimming pool is over 40 years old and cannot be repaired any longer; parts are no longer available to repair essential filters and pumps, and the walls of the pool leak water.  Through the dedicated maintenance efforts of Pristava members, the pool has lasted twice as long as originally estimated, but replacement of the pool is the only option now available. 

The pool is a significant reason that families come to Pristava, looking forward to summers spent poolside in a safe environment and an inexpensive day of entertainment.  These young families are the future of Slovenska Pristava and we need to provide family-oriented entertainment options. 

The total project will cost $700,000 for materials and some contract labor.  We will again minimize costs by using volunteer labor.  Only the most critical construction components will be done using professional contract labor, and the contractor will supply a 15 year warranty.  The work will be completed in two phases:

We have already committed $150,000 from Slovenska Pristava funds.  We have also received generous donations from several members that have provided an additional $40,000.  The members of the Board of Slovenska Pristava have pledged at least $500 per member, resulting in an additional $25,000.  Although these amounts provide a base to begin the project, additional funds are clearly needed. 

We are asking for your financial support to successfully complete the swimming pool project.   We understand that economic conditions are difficult, but your support will allow us to achieve our goals for the members of the Slovenska Pristava family.  Thank you for your continued support of Slovenska Pristava, and we hope that you can help us again.

Sincerely,

Odbor Slovenske Pristave

If you have any questions, please contact one of the members of the Fund Raising Committee below:

Frank S. Zalar  440-943-3844
Tony Cerer       440-339-8669
David Osenar   440-785-9696

See a complete collection of Pool Photos, from the early days
to the latest photos: Click Here to See

Ob odkritju nove dvorane na Slovenski pristavi

Pozdravljeni vsi na Pristavi,
na otvoritveni proslavi
ki skupnost naša jo slavi!
Na koščku mile domovine,
kjer doživljamo spomine,
naš rod slovenski še živi!

Bog plačaj vsem, ki ste garali
in v dar nam to dvorano dali,
ta veličastni naš nov dom!
Tu radi vsi se bomo zbrali,
se veselili in kramljali,
mladine tu gojili vzpon.

Zahvaljeni vsi za darove
Za gradnjo te dvorane nove,
ki je slovenstva nov mejnik!
Prav vsem, ki skupnost bogatite
in s svojim zgledom nas učite,
naj Bog bo zvest, bogat Plačnik!

Vsem pa, ki ste odšli pred nami,
oblubljamo mi tukaj zbrani
zvestobo vse do konca dni.
Slovenci, stari ali mladi,
kot bratje se imejmo radi!
Pristava raste naj, cveti!

Dr. Edi Gobec